This art is created not by hands, but by paws and claws. Paintings featuring the brush strokes and paw prints of animals such as snow leopards and sea lions from zoos around the nation sold Tuesday for surprising amounts of money.

This art is created not by hands, but by paws and claws. Paintings featuring the brush strokes and paw prints of animals such as snow leopards and sea lions from zoos around the nation will be sold Tuesday.

Just like the digital dating services that pair up people, so-called studbooks are used to match most animals held in captivity. The databases containing information on sex, age and weight not so much about favorite comfort foods or long walks on the beach are used by more than 200 zoos nationally and some internationally. They're practically taking the place of Mother Nature in the not-so wild world of captive animal breeding.

Even as a youngster, Rollie looked older and wiser than his years. His white mustache sprouted longer by the month, until it flamed from his cheeks like a German kaiser's. Sometimes, it all but hid his mouth.

Even as a youngster, Rollie looked older and wiser than his years. His white mustache sprouted longer by the month, until it flamed from his cheeks like a German kaiser's. Sometimes, it all but hid his mouth.